The Research Institute for Microbial Diseases conducts basic research related to infectious diseases and the means of controlling them. It has made many contributions in the fields of infectious diseases and immunology in Japan, including the discovery of new bacterial pathogens and viruses, identification of pathogenesis mechanisms, and the development of vaccines and diagnostic agents. In the cancer research field as well, it is working to develop means of early detection and treatment of cancer, and is engaged in research of the mechanisms by which cancer occurs.

The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University

The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research carries out top-level research that is unparalleled in Japan or elsewhere in fields related to information, biology, and materials, and also conducts research which fuses these three fields (joint research in different fields). This facility conducts research from a basic science and applied science perspective for the advanced technologies needed by industry, and at the same time also furthers research in specific fields and carries out combined multidisciplinary research, and develops the human resources who will pioneer new research fields.

Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University

Life is more than just a collection of substances and parts. Living systems are created by the dynamic interaction of and constant changes in these components, producing a diverse range of functions including genetic, embryological, immune, and brain functions. The Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences aims to explain the mechanisms of these functions, and for this purpose has collected researchers from a broad range of fields including biology, medicine, neuroscience, physics, and engineering. It aims to develop the researchers who will be active at the leading edge of next-generation bioscience research.

Osaka University Hospital

The Osaka University Hospital has grown to become one of only a few hospitals in Japan developing advanced new methods of medical care. It is also involved in a wide range of activities aimed at developing and expanding the education, treatment, and research which are the mission of a university hospital. Recently, the hospital was certified as a Collaborating Regional Cancer Treatment Hospital in April 2009, and is expanding its functions for treatment of cancer patients.

The Museum of Osaka University

The Museum of Osaka University collects valuable academic papers and research materials that were left at the academic departments, graduate schools, and research laboratories of Osaka University. Making use of the most advanced analysis and measurement technologies, it is finding new academic value in these materials. Through planned exhibitions, it also presents to society the results from the latest research and education at Osaka University.

National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center

The National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center plays a large role as Japan's national center for cardiovascular issues. The strength of this research center is that, because it is integrated with the hospital, it is possible to study issues on the clinical care frontlines and link the results from research directly to clinical care. This center fulfills a leadership function in clinical care and research for cardiovascular patients, and also further promotes cooperation with various organizations in Japan and overseas. It is strengthening the functions which will allow it to rapidly turn the results of research performed at the center into clinical applications.

The Research Institute at the Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases conducts research and development in cooperation with the hospital aimed at creating new future types of cancer treatment. As a Collaborating Prefectural Cancer Hospital, it is focused in particular on research that can directly benefit the citizens of Osaka. Through research utilizing the hospital's cancer tissue bank, it is working to contribute to cancer treatment that only a public institution can provide, such as for rare types of the illness that a private corporation will not develop medicines for.

National Institute of Biomedical Innovation

By conducting research into fundamental technologies which contribute to the development of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and by stimulating R&D, the National Institute of Biomedical Innovation aims to help create innovative pharmaceuticals and other products, in order to contribute to improving the health of the Japanese people. Utilizing its status as the only institution in Japan capable of functioning as a comprehensive one-stop source for the conduct and support of research, funding appropriation, and funds provision, the institute actively carries out programs involving collaboration between industry, universities, and government.

Osaka University Life Sciences Library

The Osaka University Life Sciences Library is a large-scale library that handles a comprehensive collection of books, other documents, electronic journals, and other materials related to life sciences. It offers a full range of facilities, including private desks, group meeting rooms, video booths, multimedia terminals, terminals for the Cyber Media Center information learning system, wireless LAN, information outlets, OPAC terminals, and PCs for database searches, and provides information to students, researchers, and broad range of users.